Hodgenville Police Chief Steve Johnson has been served a criminal summons following a Kentucky State Police investigation into his conduct.

Johnson faces charges of first-degree official misconduct and second-degree hindering a prosecution or apprehension.

According to the complaint, an officer said that during KSP’s investigation into former Hodgenville Mayor Terry Cruse and former city clerk MaDonna Hornback, Johnson contacted Cruse on Dec. 16 and 17 and advised “him to lay low and get out of town.”

Johnson had knowledge KSP was looking to arrest Cruse after indictment warrants were issued for the former mayor.

The charges are Class A misdemeanors and punishable by up to one year in prison if Johnson is found guilty.